2022 Volvo XC60 B6 R-Design review

The 2022 Volvo XC60 has been given a light refresh because it appears to carry a commanding place among the many medium-sized luxurious SUV crowd.

Whereas a plug-in hybrid Recharge variant of the XC60 is the costliest, we have the very best of the remainder. The XC60 B6 R-Design matches the best specification degree, together with essentially the most highly effective variant of the two.0-litre petrol engine.

All the petrol engines at the moment are delicate hybrid, with the ‘B’ nomenclature changing the earlier T label. B6 – as used on this R-Design specification – refers back to the 2.0-litre turbocharged and electrically supercharged petrol engine that’s joined by a delicate hybrid 48V electrical system.

This electrical system is there to provide the engine a small enhance through the built-in starter generator. The web result’s hearty: 220kW at 5400rpm and 420Nm at 2100–4800rpm. For reference sake, an analogous type of efficiency was attained by a naturally aspirated 4.4-litre Volvo V8 – partly designed by Yamaha no much less – a decade in the past. How occasions have modified.

Whereas European and American-delivered XC60s are constructed at Volvo’s Gothenburg facility in Sweden, different markets’ vehicles – together with our Australian-delivered autos – are constructed on the Chengdu, China facility that was opened in 2013.

The R-Design is ready aside by the 21-inch wheels and refined physique package on the surface, and a singular inside remedy (together with sporty-styled seats) inside. There’s additionally the extra highly effective engine, plus a handful of extra tools as normal.

Whereas the broader XC60 range begins at $69,490 for the B5 Momentum, our 2022 Volvo XC60 B6 R-Design has a beginning worth of $82,490. Throw in some choices (like we’ve got right here), and also you’re over $90,000 earlier than you embrace on-road prices.

Nonetheless, it is not as costly because the XC60 Recharge, which brings an much more highly effective plug-in hybrid drivetrain and as much as 81km of electric-only driving. It begins at $97,990 earlier than on-road prices.

Inside, that is basic Volvo, and never a complete lot has modified with this replace. That is not a nasty factor, as a result of the Volvo XC60 is an excellent place to spend time.

The R-Design seats – a mix of nappa leather-based and ‘Nubuck’ textile – are electrically adjustable and heated up entrance, with reminiscence operate for the motive force. Whereas they’re fairly a bucketed and sporty design, they’re comfy for on a regular basis utilization. The seats have a very spectacular thigh adjustment, which I liked.

There’s leather-based wrapping on the steering wheel and stubby gearshifter, and an total atmosphere of high quality contained in the XC60. There is a widespread design theme throughout all of Volvo’s interiors, and there’s loads to love about it.

It is uncluttered and clear, with out going full-on minimalist. Importantly for a automobile of this type and price, the supplies and construct high quality really feel excellent. USB energy retailers are hidden within the centre console, and there’s a sliding lid for the cupholders, incidental storage, and a 12-volt energy outlet in entrance of the gear shifter.

The second row within reason spacious total, not scoring close to the highest or backside of the phase on this regard. It’s comfy for adults, the seats are high quality, and you have got 4 air vents (centre console and B-pillar) going through you. The usual four-zone local weather management features a management panel for second-row occupants.

By the best way, that air-conditioning consists of humidity and air high quality sensing – with the choice so as to add a sophisticated air cleaner, with a PM2.5 particulate filter for $500.

The particular celebration trick of the second row is the booster seats, that are neatly constructed into the seats themselves. The bottom type of folds up onto itself, and works for teenagers over 15kg and 96cm. The seats right here recline however do not supply any fore-aft sliding capability.

The boot, which is quoted at 505L, can also be positioned in the midst of the medium SUV pack total. It is large enough for normal utilization, but in addition not what I’d name enormous. There is a ski port for loading lengthy and thin issues, together with a storage web (with 12-volt outlet) on one facet.

One extra advantage of the air suspension comes by right here, with the flexibility to decrease the experience peak of the XC60 through buttons to permit for simpler loading. For these with huge and cumbersome prams, huge a great deal of groceries, and even canines with dodgy joints, this might be a welcome function.

Infotainment centres round a 9.0-inch infotainment show, which is identical dimension and portrait orientation because the 2021 mannequin.

Nonetheless, the working system is sort of completely different. As an alternative of utilizing a system based mostly on Volvo software program – with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto tacked on – we have a brand new tackle connectivity. It is a Google-based system, known as Android Automotive that does not want a cellphone plugged in, to not be confused with Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

As an alternative, the automobile has its personal web connection (through a simcard), and customers can log right into a Google account by the automobile itself. For individuals who already stay inside such an ecosystem – like myself – it is a easy and seamless expertise.

Nonetheless, it is going in opposition to the grain of those that stay the Apple life, and it is restricted within the quantity of apps that you could run. There’s solely Google Maps, for instance. No Waze, and definitely no Apple Maps. And whereas I obtained Spotify working effectively, those that use different streaming and podcast providers may not have as a lot luck.

After all, being stay and Google-based, there will likely be updates and new options and apps added, although proper now we do not know the complete extent of what these will likely be.

The digital instrument cluster in entrance of the motive force is crisp and responsive, with the motive force in a position to management the contents of the 12.3-inch display screen by the steering wheel controls. Performance total appears restricted, nonetheless. All that I might handle to cycle between was a view that shows or hides maps, and a few primary journey pc information, for instance.

On both sides of the show are mirrored semi-circles, that are your speedometer and tachometer. It is clear and efficient, and there is additionally a small battery image to remind you of the (delicate) hybrid nature of your powertrain.

Audio comes through an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, which is nice and demonstrably higher than your common normal system. Nonetheless, those that need the very best audio will seemingly sweat – or not sweat in any respect – over the $4800 Bowers and Wilkins system. I’ve sampled one thing related in an XC90, and it is rattling spectacular.

Volvo is an organization that prides itself – and its historical past – on preserving security at a really excessive degree. And as you’d anticipate, that is no completely different on this case. There is a five-star ANCAP security score (from 2017) for the 2022 XC60, with a conspicuously excessive 98 per cent rating for grownup occupant safety.

Autonomous emergency braking – one thing that Volvo calls Metropolis Assist – is complete. There’s pedestrian, bike owner and huge animal detection, together with intersection detection, braking and steering help.

However wait, there’s extra: site visitors signal recognition, rain-sensing wipers, a 360-degree digital camera system, entrance and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise management with adjustable pace limiter, Pilot Help semi-autonomous driving, oncoming lane mitigation, run-off mitigation, park help, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

There’s additionally one thing known as Clever Driver Data System, which one may not even discover working within the background. If the automobile senses that the motive force wants to concentrate in a sure state of affairs – like intersections, overtaking manoeuvres – it can postpone distractions like cellphone calls to make sure the motive force retains their consideration on the job at hand.

It is also price stating that the XC60’s superior driving and security expertise is fine-tuned to not impinge upon regular, on a regular basis driving. This cannot be mentioned for all manufacturers – I typically really feel compelled to show off some issues like lane-keep help as a result of it will get annoying. The Volvo would not do that, nonetheless. It kicks in, however on the proper time. And it would not get in the best way of regular, protected driving.

A five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee – one thing premium manufacturers as soon as shied away from – is the manufacturing facility providing for this Volvo, and one thing that’s little question beneficial to consumers.

Capped-price servicing can also be accessible for the XC60 by both a three-year ($1750) or five-year ($3000) Real Service Plan. This works out to be both $583 or $600 per 12 months total, and is an enormous enchancment in prices in comparison to some years in the past.

The XC60 is priced equally to an Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce and Genesis GV70 3.5T, but in addition priced equally to lower-specification grades of a BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. So in its personal manner – compared to different premium manufacturers – the Volvo XC60 does supply good worth for cash. There’s spectacular efficiency and dealing with accessible, together with loads of expertise and good touches.

Throw in some choices, nonetheless, and that quotient softens. Together with the non-compulsory paint, we have $9350 price of choices thrown at our check automobile. The worth of those choices appears first rate, however they jack up the value nonetheless.

Air suspension – costing $2600 – is troublesome to quantify as a result of I have not test-driven an XC60 with out it, not to mention back-to-back. Nonetheless, the experience high quality is excessive, so I doubt it could be a backward step. And the opposite huge choice right here, including in privateness glass, an upgraded sound system and panoramic sunroof for $3900, might be taken or left relying on style and funds.

Having the additional energy of this R-Design XC60 is a key a part of the enchantment, and there’s sufficient (37kW and 70Nm greater than the XC60 B5) to warrant the bounce up in worth , together with the extra normal gear. Nonetheless, efficiency does come at the price of consumption. And the entire ‘hybrid’ dialog in regard to this automobile does want a caveat.

Whereas there’s a delicate hybridisation of the powertrain, it is not essentially there for large enhancements in effectivity. There is likely to be minute positive aspects in that regard, however it’s extra about bettering efficiency by the electrical supercharger. Whereas Volvo claims 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres on the mixed cycle, we noticed a bit extra: 9.5L/100km. It isn’t precisely environment friendly, however is first rate contemplating the quantity of efficiency accessible from a medium-sized SUV.

In different phrases, do not buy the XC60 R-Design to restrict your visits to the bowser. Purchase it for the enjoyment you’ve gotten in between refills.

As a degree of reference, the two.0-litre engine within the XC60 B6 makes extra energy and torque than a performance-minded Hyundai i30 N sizzling hatch. Granted, there’s a truthful quantity of extra heft to counter on this case, however a 0–100km/h dash time of 6.2 seconds (claimed) explains that this XC60 isn’t any slouch.

It is really fast, and the facility comes on in an impressively easy, linear method. Having torque accessible proper throughout the rev vary is essential right here, with out ready for the turbocharger to begin furiously spinning on the high of the rev vary.

The sensation of driving the XC60 is not like an amped-up hatch, nonetheless. It is quiet, easy and approachable. The throttle is tuned with an keen edge, not requiring a lot of a stab to reply.

The experience high quality is much from a sizzling hatch as effectively, accurately. Regardless of rolling on huge 21-inch wheels with slim 255/40-profile rubber, there’s a good steadiness of necessary components within the XC60. Bigger bumps like pace humps and potholes are effectively accounted for, which is necessary for a household SUV. Its steering is responsive with out being overly sharp, and the XC60 enjoys the odd patch of spirited driving by corners.

It isn’t an overt driver’s automobile, however nor ought to it’s. There’s sufficient engagement there, nonetheless, with out spoiling the remainder of the broth for on a regular basis driving and luxury.

While you need (or want it), the XC60 does present surprisingly good straight-line efficiency. The eight-speed auto gearbox is dutiful and composed, with no unusual reactions or responses to inputs to notice. And with 4 pushed wheels wrapped in high quality Pirelli rubber, there are not any traction points to notice both.

The torque – aided by that electrical supercharger – is immensely useful for standing and rolling begins alike, permitting the XC60 to carry onto ratio and for lengthy intervals. And as soon as revving arduous underneath load, there’s a satisfying – if muted – grumble from the engine bay. It is sizzling hatch fast, sure, however it’s additionally fairly dignified.

Like I mentioned earlier, this type of energy and torque was as soon as solely accessible in eight cylinders, or six with a turbo. The truth that this four-cylinder engine can do it’s spectacular, however the method through which it goes about its enterprise can also be worthy of reward.

When you think about all of these components {that a} premium SUV wants to the touch – particularly as you method a six-figure spend – the general execution of the XC60 leaves little room for grievance or critique. It isn’t overly spacious within the second row and boot, however this dimension may also be good for some consumers on the market.

Efficiency is nice, which is an typically forgotten a part of this complete ‘SUV’ acronym paradigm. It is fast, however would not really feel prefer it loses out on the excessive ranges of consolation and refinement that this XC60 wants to remain compelling. And at last, the inside is sensible and high quality with a clear design that Volvo appears to be doing so effectively for the time being.

There is no such thing as a scarcity of competitors on this a part of the world, and whereas the Volvo XC60 gained phase honours as Greatest Medium Luxurious SUV eventually 12 months’s Drive Car of the Year awards, it was gazumped from successful two in a row by the Jaguar F-Pace in 2022.

That is to not say that the XC60 is not an excellent selection, as a result of it’s. And there’s a probability that the XC60 – a automobile that also feels somewhat completely different and distinctive to the remainder – would possibly fit your tastes higher.